Will Niwot Stage 2012 Sydney Cup Upset?

One of the best backed horses in the Sydney Cup 2012 this year is the Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes-trained Niwot who will step up to the two miles for the first time since last year’s Melbourne Cup.

Niwot is one of the best backed horses in the 2012 Sydney Cup odds

Winner of the Group 3 The Lexus Stakes (2500m) by an impressive three lengths on Victoria Derby Day at Flemington last October seven-year-old Galileo gelding Niwot went on to run a brave eighth just four lengths off the winner Dunaden in the iconic Melbourne Cup.

They race over the 3200-metres again on Saturday this time at Royal Randwick for the $500,000 Group 1 Schweppes Sydney Cup running as Race 6 at 3:35pm.

Drawn in barrier two with Dwayne Dunn to ride at 55.5kg Niwot comes off two good fourth place finishes behind the flying Manighar in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill.

Fresh off a three week break they are now ready to take on a crack field including Chris Waller’s $3.80 favourite Permit and gallant Adelaide Cup second placegetter Drunken Sailor ($6.50).

Currently Niwot pays $4.40 in the Sydney Cup betting odds at bookmaker.com.au and according to our preferred bookie they have clearly been the best supported in the 16-stayer field.

“Money has continued to flood in for Niwot, easily the best backed runner,” Ryan Clark from bookmaker.com.au says.

So is that money justified and will Niwot reward the punters coming for them in the markets on Saturday?

See below for the pros and cons of backing Niwot to win the Sydney Cup 2012.